Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and a method for measuring NOx in biochemical processes, and to apparatus and methods for real time measuring the nitrification and/or denitrification rate of a liquid with or without suspended solids.

Abstract: A coin return assembly having enhanced protection against stuffing or ignition, is disclosed. A flapper member is hingedly attached to the upper portion of the coin return chute such that it is biased against displacement against the flow of coins through the coin chute. The hinge allows movement of the coins from the upper portion of the telephone through to the lower bucket area. The flapper seals substantially the entire coin path thereby preventing the insertion of stuffing material into the coin return chute or the passage of flames therethrough.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing integrated circuits; particularly, a method to alter heat flow on a localized basis, when heating wafers to elevated temperatures, to achieve different processing temperatures by altering the material properties, such as emissivity, absorptivity and reflectivity, of a portion of a surface by the application of thin films of various materials.

Abstract: The invention concerns aromatic tetralcyclic compounds of the retinoid type of general formula (I). The invention also concerns the method for preparing them and the pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one of said compounds.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for the reduction of glutamate neurotoxicity in pathophysiology of spinal cord injury induced by aortic cross-clamping. The reduction is achieved by the administration of riluzole to a patient, in an amount effective to reduce glutamate neurotoxicity, contemporaneously with aortic cross-clamping. Preferably, the riluzole is administered both prior to and following the aortic cross-clamping. The method is also applicable to reduce the spinal cord injury resulting from ischemia, and for reducing the effects of ischemia on neuronal tissues.

Abstract: A communication system transmits data between a plurality of locations. The communication system is suitable for use by a utility provider to monitor a plurality of metering devices from a remote location. The communication system in accordance with use by a utility provider to monitor metering devices comprises a control for at least receiving data, a plurality of metering devices arranged in a defined number of metering groups for transmitting data associated with an amount of usage of a utility, and a defined number of concentrators, each operably connected to the control and one metering group for transmission of data between the control and plurality of metering devices.

Abstract: A utility vehicle body is shown that may be easily and quickly converted, without tools from a flat-bed cargo hauling configuration to a configuration having seating for one to three passengers and a reduced cargo-carrying area. The body may be retrofitted to existing utility vehicles or installed as original equipment. This convertible utility vehicle body is particularly adapted for use by personnel involved in landscaping, golf course maintenance, and maintenance of manufacturing and energy conversion facilities. It is also useful to persons who need access to remote areas for vocational, recreational, or residential activities.

Abstract: A regenerative process for oxidizing H2S contained in low concentration in a gas directly to sulphur including combining the H2S-containing gas with a gas containing free oxygen in an amount to form an O2/H2S-containing gas with an O2/H2S molar ratio ranging from 0.05 to 15; contacting the O2/H2S-containing gas with a catalyst for the selective oxidation of H2S to sulphur, wherein the catalyst includes a catalytically active phase containing at least one oxysulphide of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, iron, cobalt, copper, chromium, molybdenum and tungsten combined with a silicon carbide support and including a compound of at least one transition metal, at temperatures below the dew point of the sulphur formed by oxidation of H2S and depositing the sulphur on the catalyst; periodically regenerating by flushing the sulphur-laden catalyst using a non-oxidizing gas at temperatures of between 200° C. and 500° C.

Abstract: A device for removing liquid from a closed cavity, such as from a shock absorber of a motor vehicle, is proposed; the device compresses a drill, which is guided displaceably in a guide housing, a preloading device at one end of the guide housing for displacing the drill in the guide housing, an intermediate piece at the other end of the guide housing, the intermediate piece having a central bore for the drill bit to pass through and at least one fluid connection on the outer circumference for the removal of liquid, and compressing a gripping device, which is fitted to the device and fixes the latter to the wall of the cavity to be emptied.

Abstract: A cable-supporting cable port of an electrical or similar box comprises two mating hollow semi-cylindrical members. The two members join, when the box is closed to form a unified cable port through which various cables or wires travel. Each semi-cylindrical member comprises a sidewall. In the rear member, the sidewall defines an aperture. A barbed projection extends from an internal edge of the sidewall into the aperture. The edge and the barbed projection define a channel for accepting an intermediate portion of a tie strap which has been bent into substantially a U-shape. The barbed projection has a longitudinal portion and a substantially horizontal barb portion. The tie strap is secured about the longitudinal portion, and prevented from disengaging the projection by engaging the barb portion. In this manner, the cable is secured to the projection by tightening the tie strap. The cable is securely held in place, without requiring access to the rear of the cable port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a storage battery with several cylindrical cells, the cell walls of which are in close heat-conducting contact with a temperature-control device. The temperature-control device has at least two hollow bodies (2) through which a temperature-control medium flows, which bodies display semicircular bulges (6), the radii of which correspond approximately to that of the cells (1), and which are arranged in such a way that they fix the spatial positions of the cells (1) to each other.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an electrode grid for lead batteries with a rectangular grid frame, pasting accessory rails arranged on it, and a group of grid cross members which form the skeleton to hold the active mass, the pasting accessory rails extending on both sides of the electrode grid solely in the pasting direction and, especially on the front and back side of the electrode grid, are arranged offset from each other.

Abstract: A method for separating a mixture of at least two chemical compounds which first involves loading and sintering a frit material in a capillary to form a first retaining frit. After removing substantially all unsintered frit material from the capillary, a packing material made up of a substrate coated with a linear carbohydrate polymer is loaded into the capillary adjacent to the first retaining frit to form a stationary phase. More frit material is loaded in the capillary and is sintered to form a second retaining frit adjacent to the packing material on the side opposite from the first retaining frit. Substantially all unsintered frit material is again removed from the capillary. The chemical mixture is then introduced into the capillary at one of the retaining frits, and migration of the mixture across the packing material is induced by applying a voltage across the capillary. Differences in electroosmotic flow velocity between the compounds cause them to separate during migration.

Abstract: A low power band gap circuit which uses the thermal properties of MOS devices to compensate for bipolar device behavior and provide temperature independent voltage and current sources.

Abstract: A gas water heater including a water container adapted to be heated by a gas burner; and an enclosure surrounding the burner, the enclosure having at least one heat sensitive entryway adapted to allow air and fumes to enter the enclosure without igniting flammable gases or vapors outside of the enclosure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of photopolymer printing blocks, which are utilizable for producing printed matter by flexography, typography or dry offset, of the type including a stage for polymerizing areas by exposure to ultraviolet rays; a stage for engraving non-polymerized areas by immersion and brushing in an engraving bath contained in an engraving tank, the bath becoming loaded with dissolved particles or particles in suspension during the engraving stage; and a separation of the constituents of the engraving bath, with the liquid obtained at the time of separation being injected back into the engraving tank, characterized in that the separation consists of filtration, during which the particles are progressively eliminated. The invention also relates to an engraving device for carrying out the process.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with hinged members is provided. The apparatus is an elastomeric member affixed to hinged members on opposing sides of a longitudinal axis of rotation. The elastomeric member is affixed in a stretched state to facilitate the resilient return of the hinged members to a closed position. The elastomeric member occupies substantially the entire length of the hinge area. The elastomeric member bridges the hinge area between the two hinged members. Thus, the hinge area is protected against the entrance of stray wires or materials.

Abstract: Electrode grids for lead storage batteries comprise a lead alloy which, in addition to calcium and tin and, if appropriate, silver, contains of aluminum, the aluminum content being in the range of approximately 0.012% to 0.02% by weight, and the average grain diameter in the web and frame area of the grids is 200 &mgr;m-600 &mgr;m. Preferably, the aluminum content is in the range of approximately 0.014% to 0.02%, the calcium content is approximately between 0.04 and 0.06%, the tin content is approximately between 0.5 to 1.0%, and optionally 0.5 to 0.7%, and the silver content is approximately between 0.005 and 0.06%.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for sanitization of a fixed storage device interfaced to a computer system. The computer system is booted from a removable storage device that holds a bootable disk operating system and program code that is executed within the disk operating system. The fixed storage device is detected. The writeable space of the fixed storage device is then overwritten with a plurality of overwrite layers. Further, a report can be printed listing information about the sanitization process contemporaneously upon the completion of sanitization. In one embodiment, sanitizing is accomplished using a plurality of patterns, each layer having an associated pattern, to ensure that data can not be recovered even by destructive analysis.

Abstract: A water and/or space heater is provided in which water is circulated to prevent the localized overheating or vaporization thereof.